This is your second band in the Free Bellaonline.com Embroidery Band Sampler

A Band Sampler is a traditional form of sampler, the bands were the way that embroiderers tried out patterns, and then kept a record of them.

Over the months, each of the bands will build to a beautiful Band Sampler that will look great framed on your wall – or use it as a record of patterns!

In the tradition of samplers, I shall offer you suggestions on what colours and threads to use; but the final selection is up to you. This is a project where you can let your imagination go.

You can find the first band of the sampler here








Materials

This Band Sampler should be stitched on 26 count Linen. This is really the only part of the project that I recommend you take as a must, as the bands will look best stitched on linen. Your fabric should be approximately 10 inches wide, and between 20 and 25 inches long. Band Samplers were always long, fairly narrow items. It is your choice how long, but there will be at least 10 bands to stitch, possibly more.

I suggest an unbleached colour, or cream, for best effect – though it’s up to your taste.

You can use Aida or Evenweave, but the result will not be the same. If using Aida, then use at least 18 count, and with Evenweave, at least 26 count. I would urge you, however, to try the Linen first.

This is stitched in cross stitch over 2 threads of Linen, using 2 strands of thread. Cotton Floss or Silk should be used to stitch. Silk on Linen works beautifully, and you will enjoy stitching as these samplers were stitched, using the same materials.

This particular band is very traditional and represents acorns with a curved frame around them.

The Acorn motif appears often throughout the history of embroidery, but reached it’s height of popularity during the Elizabethan period, when it was used not only in blackwork, but also in crewel embroidery as well.

The band is bordered on top and bottom with a border of bright blue Double Cross Stitch stars. These particular stars also look great if you use Star Stitch.

The Pattern

To download the pattern, right-click on the picture and save it to your computer, then print it out.








Star Stitch



Double Cross Stitch

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Happy Stitching

© 2007 Megan McConnell